A week passed, time seemed to run faster than ever. The conference room was no longer filled with the stifling silence of before, but with the bustling discussions of the representatives of the civilizations. Each had their own strategies and schemes to choose the strongest warriors, the ones who could bring glory to their civilization and keep them from being wiped out.
Confidential meetings continued, intense discussions, direct confrontations between the chosen representatives. Some began to doubt the fairness of this "game", while others were fighting for power, determined to overwhelm their opponents to win.
At the Atlas civilization:
"What about our strategy?" A hoarse voice spoke in a closed conference room.
A tall, muscular man with messy black hair and sharp eyes was staring at the map of the opponents.
The representative of the Atlas civilization, one of the strongest civilizations, was looking for the most suitable warrior.
"We will choose warriors with high physical strength and intelligence, who can fight and think quickly," he said, his eyes filled with determination. "But we cannot underestimate the smaller civilizations. They may have unexpected strategies."
At the Beates civilization:
The Beates civilization was famous for its talented warriors and superior intelligence. A group of young warriors were standing in the training room, facing each other in hand-to-hand combat.
"This is not just a contest of strength, but a contest of strategy," the leader of the Beates civilization said with a serious expression. "We cannot rely on strength alone, but need a combination of speed, intelligence, and improvisation."
The Beates warriors looked at each other, determination and courage appearing in their eyes.
At the Jickle Civilization:
At the same time, in the Jickle Civilization, a group of warriors selected from the highest ranks were gathering. These were people with special abilities, possessing mystical powers that few in other civilizations had.
"We don't need to be physically strong, but special abilities will be the key to victory," said a Jickle warrior, his eyes shining. "We will play this game in our own way."
The last day of the deadline week approached:
There was only one day left until the registration period for the "upper" game ended. The civilizations had finished selecting their warriors.
A silence fell over the rooms of the representatives, but in each eye, a fire of battle was burning. Some were preparing for a fierce battle, while others were silently calculating their next moves. All were focused on one goal: to win and protect their civilization.
In the main meeting room:
As the final day came, Houliu Van Besten appeared before everyone, a cold ghost amid the eyes filled with doubt and expectation.
She only needed a glance to know that the representatives were ready.
"So everything is done," she said, her voice calm, but containing a slight disdain.
"The game will begin tomorrow morning. You may prepare. But remember, this game is not only about strength, but also about intelligence, sacrifice and determination."
She paused, smiling as if these words were just a joke.
"The life and death of your civilization now rests in the hands of the warriors. Good luck."
The next morning, the grand hall was like a sacred arena, shrouded in a mysterious atmosphere, where light reflected from the sparkling marble mirrors underfoot. On all four sides of the hall were waterfalls of light pouring down from the air, creating a dreamy yet powerful feeling. Everything exuded majesty, as if it was preparing for a battle where only the strongest could survive.
The representatives stood up straight, their eyes on a high platform, where Houliu Van Besten had appeared. She stood there like a powerful ghost, wearing a mysterious black outfit, her long pink hair fluttering in the wind. She looked at everyone, but no one dared to look back, only silent waiting. The atmosphere was so tense that it seemed as if everyone's every breath had to be careful.
Houliu spoke, her voice echoing in the vast space, but it did not feel too heavy. It was like an announcement, like an irrefutable command:
"Hello representatives, the last hope of your civilization is here. In this place, Vallhala, the resting place of warriors, you will participate in the game of the one above and fight to the last breath."
The whole room became silent. Every representative, every warrior felt that Houliu's words were not just a declaration of war, but a warning. A warning of life, death, and all that awaited them ahead.
Houliu continued, her every word carefully considered, enough to arouse curiosity and suspense in each person:
"I hereby announce that the game will begin after I finish reading the challenge of Act 1."
She was silent for a moment, letting the tension build, then continued:
"Title: Opening in an unknown city."
These words were like a thunderclap that struck the minds of everyone present. Everyone knew that the upcoming challenge would not be like what they imagined. No one knew what was waiting ahead.
Houliu slowly walked to a table placed on a high platform, opened a sealed document, and continued:
"In this game, you will be randomly divided into groups of three. Your missions will be revealed in the map."
She gave a cold smile, looking down below, where all the representatives could not help but wait for what was to come.
"A strange city, dangerous challenges, and random teammates. You will not know who will be your friend, who will be your enemy. And you will have to fight, fight to your last breath. At this time, you will not be able to escape."
The entire hall fell into silence once again. The representatives did not say a word, just silently observing each other, each wondering in their hearts who would be in their group, which warriors would be the victors, and whether their civilization could survive.
Scene change:
As soon as Houliu finished speaking, a giant screen suddenly appeared on the wall in front. On the screen was a control panel with the names of all the representatives. After a few seconds of suspense, the names began to move and arrange themselves into groups. The entire hall fell silent, every gaze focused on the screen, waiting for the results.
The names began to stop, and groups of three people appeared clearly:
Group 1: Ascil (Atlas), Akira (Beates), Khaz (Jickle)
Group 2: Asta (Vortex), Arwen (Caros), Kael (Tardis)
Group 3: Ryu (Dogmatika), Lyra (Vortex), Darius (Caros)
Group 4: Maika (Beates), Elda (Atlas), Kiran (Jickle)
...
Each group looked at each other with anxious eyes, no one said anything, but in each person's heart, there was an inexplicable feeling rising. Would the warriors they had just teamed up with be strong opponents? And could they overcome the first challenge?
Challenge Stage 1:
The screen changed again, and a large map appeared, so detailed that one could see every street, building, and dangerous area.
"You will start at a random point in the city. Each group will have to find a way to reach the central area, where there is a valuable item that can change the outcome of the battle. But be careful, because other civilizations will also be after this item. Whoever captures the item will have the opportunity to make a wish."
As soon as Houliu Van Besten said a mysterious word, everything around the representatives suddenly changed. She only uttered a cold word, a syllable that even the most skilled warriors could not immediately understand.
"Avanderanxe."
Like a flash of lightning in the silent space, everyone, without time to react, was swept into a spatial vortex. The entire hall, the waterfalls, the mysterious lights, all disappeared. In its place was a dark and pointless space. The warriors could not control their bodies as they were thrown into this spatial vortex. Each person, each warrior felt as if they were falling into an endless abyss, with no end.
When the vortex stopped, everything seemed to return to normal. But the surrounding space was no longer the hall. It was a completely different space, like entering a world of modern technology never seen before. In front of each person was a large control panel, illuminated by strange lights that they had never seen before. Even those from the Beates, Atlas, Dogmatika, and Jickle civilizations had this feeling, a strange and oppressive feeling.
Ascil (Vortex), one of the powerful warriors of the Vortex civilization, woke up first. He clearly felt that he was in a space that did not belong to his world. In front of him was a giant control panel, projecting parameters that he could not fully understand.
He took a deep breath, trying to get used to the uncomfortable feeling in his body. His mind was still a bit dizzy after the spatial vortex. Even so, he still tried to read the words that appeared on the board:
[Warrior Information]
Name: Ascil
Civilization: Vortex
Level: 0
Skills:
Vortex Power (Level?): ?
Ascil frowned. He had never seen technology like this before. These parameters seemed to be from a system that controlled the entire game they were participating in. Each person seemed to have their own control panel, recording all the skills and abilities they could use in this competition.
He was not the only one caught up in this sudden change. Other warriors, from different civilizations, were standing in front of similar control panels. Their sharp eyes began to wander around, evaluating the parameters on the panels, testing the functions. But one thing was clear: they had no way to communicate with each other in this space. Everyone was isolated, and each person had to rely on themselves.
Ascil lightly tapped an icon on his panel. Immediately, a new window appeared, explaining the objective of the first challenge.
Objective:
Reach the central area of the city.
Collect the item "Genesis", an item that can change the game's outcome.
Overcome the challenges that the "people above" have created.
Ascil couldn't believe his eyes. It was as if a giant video game had been launched. But this wasn't a game, this was survival, a real war.
He looked around, trying to locate his location. Now, he couldn't see anyone clearly. Everything was blurry, the surrounding space seemed to be broken into pieces that couldn't be put together. Only the trails and ruined buildings appeared, forming a city that Ascil had never seen before.
All he could do now was focus on the target. They had to find the center of the city. But what would be the price to pay to do that?
At this moment, a cold voice rang out in everyone's mind, unable to be denied:
"Start now. Ten minutes later, the next challenge will be activated."
The game has officially begun.
Ascil looked around, realizing that he wasn't the only one here. Next to him, two others from his group were standing nearby, also focused on their consoles. The three of them made up Group 1 in this competition, consisting of Akira, Ascil, and Khaz.
Akira, a warrior with a nimble body and sharp eyes, was the first to speak. She had a serious expression, but her eyes contained a strong determination.
"I'm Akira, from the Atlas civilization. It's a pleasure to work with you."
Akira looked at the other two in the group, then smiled, giving off an approachable, yet determined feeling.
Khaz, a tall man with messy black hair and a toned body, just nodded without saying anything. Although he didn't say much, his demeanor showed that he was a calm and strong warrior. Khaz looked carefully at Ascil and Akira, as if evaluating his partner.
"Khaz, from the Tardis civilization. I hope we can win."
Ascil, who had just woken up from the space vortex, felt the tense atmosphere in the group. However, he still nodded and said:
"Ascil, Vortex. We will fight together until the end."
Ascil's group immediately moved forward. The console displayed a detailed map of the strange city. The first challenge began: they had to go to the central area of the city, where there was an important item they had to collect. Of course, the opposing groups were also aiming for this goal, and danger was lurking from all sides.
Akira was the first to speak up:
"To quickly reach the center, we must choose the shortest path. But we must be careful, we cannot know where the enemy is hiding."
Khaz nodded, his eyes wary. He did not like anything unpredictable, but knew that in this game, surprise was an indispensable element.
As soon as they moved, another message appeared on Ascil's panel:
"Warning: Enemies are near. You and your group must prepare to face the imminent attack."
Ascil quickly drew his powerful sword out of thin air, the sword was as if it was created from the surrounding space itself, emitting a sparkling light. He sneered, an expression that was both confident and full of fighting spirit:
"Someone is already trying to attack me?"
Ascil's sword flashed in the dark space, and he prepared himself to face any challenge. Although he couldn't see clearly who was coming, the sense of danger in the air was enough for him to realize that the enemy was ready.
Akira didn't seem surprised. She quickly drew out a long katana, her eyes narrowed, sharp and alert. She knew that in this game, everything could change in an instant. She glanced at Ascil, then looked around to assess the group's position.
"Ready, but we don't know who the enemy is. Prepare for any situation." She said, her voice filled with determination.
Khaz also drew his weapon – a large, strangely shaped blade, made of silvery metal, cold and dangerous. He said nothing, simply looking around, his eyes scanning every corner, preparing to respond to any attack. Khaz always stood out for his calm and strong appearance, but he knew that in this game, caution would help him survive in the long run.
The three stood side by side, forming a ready battle stance, staring at the space around them, where the silence was only a facade. The feeling of an enemy lurking somewhere in the darkness, watching their every move, made the atmosphere even more tense.
Ascil's console emitted a signal again, interrupting this eerie silence. A new message appeared:
"Warning: Opponent has located. Prepare to engage."
Immediately, from the winding streets of the ruined city, blurry figures appeared. The group realized that they were not the only ones participating in this game.
First was a group of warriors from the Jickle civilization, four of them, carrying special weapons, fully equipped with armor. One of them was a mage in a long black robe, holding a staff that emitted a pale blue light, like some kind of mysterious energy. Another was a gunner with a sharp bow and arrow, seemingly ready to attack.
Akira frowned, these Jickle warriors were very dangerous. She knew that if she did not act quickly, their group would be surrounded.
"They are from the Jickle... prepare to fight," Akira said coldly.
Khaz stood up straight, holding his sword, his face expressionless:
"We cannot retreat. Let's fight."
Ascil smiled, excitement rising in his body. This was the reason he had entered this game. Together with Akira and Khaz, they would demonstrate the power of the Vortex civilization.
"Let's show them we're not easy opponents," Ascil said with a smile, then immediately rushed forward, sword in hand.
Ascil charged forward like a gust of wind, sword gleaming in his hand. He felt a surge of excitement as he faced the nearby mage, who seemed unprepared for a real fight. The mage was dressed in long black robes, holding a staff that emitted a faint blue light, looking like a newcomer to the game.
Ascil knew immediately that this would be an easy target, at least at first. He sneered and swung his sword, with a powerful slash aimed at the mage.
The mage saw Ascil charging, however, he seemed unable to react in time. He had definitely underestimated his opponent. Ascil felt a surge of confidence, but he did not let his guard down completely – a sudden burst of magic flashed from the mage's staff, forming a thin magical shield right in front of him.
But Ascil did not stop. His slash continued forward, and with a "whoosh", his Vortex sword pierced through the magical shield like cutting through the air, continuing to charge at the target.
The mage only had time to see the sword coming, and he frantically swung his staff to try to block it. But clearly, he was too slow. Ascil's sword cut through the air, like a sharp beam of light, stabbing straight at the mage.
He couldn't dodge. Ascil's sword tip stabbed straight into his chest, piercing through the thick magical clothing and stabbing into his body. The mage screamed in pain, then collapsed, unable to utter another word.
Akira and Khaz watched the scene unfold before them, not surprised at Ascil's speed and accuracy. Khaz nodded, his eyes cold, but in his heart he couldn't help but acknowledge the strength of his comrade.
Akira just frowned slightly, then turned around to look around, on guard for the next enemy. She knew that, although Ascil had defeated one opponent, there were many more challenges to come.
Khaz turned to Ascil, a look of appreciation in his eyes, but also wary:
"That was fast. But let's not let our guard down. There will be more enemies."
Ascil put away his sword, turned to his comrades, and smiled:
"It's just the beginning. There will definitely be more powerful ones ahead."
Akira suddenly shouted, her voice filled with worry:
"Hey wait, why four? There are only three in a team?!"
Ascil, who had just easily defeated the mage, only now realized that there were more than just the mage and a few fighters around them. He was not the only one in his team. He felt a surge of unease, but he didn't have time to think too much.
"Shit, why are you saying this now?!" Ascil said angrily, his eyes looking at Akira.
Just then, a terrible explosion rang out right next to Ascil, causing the surrounding rocks to scatter. Before he could understand what was happening, a powerful shockwave hit him, pushing him to the ground. Everyone was thrown out of their positions, while dust rose from the explosion.
Khaz didn't have time to react, but he quickly stood up, his eyes shining like a fierce tiger. His weapon was ready, but the atmosphere in the environment suddenly changed. Suddenly, he realized the painful truth: the corpse of the mage was not an ordinary corpse. It was a bomb, planted in the body to be used as a weapon. A tactic that only the most ruthless would use.
Akira, who had also stood up at this time, had a slightly panicked expression on his face:
"That mage... he planted a bomb in himself! This is a trap!"
Ascil painfully held his shoulder, but he still managed to stand up. He realized that they had been led into a deadly trap from the beginning. If they had not been more careful, the whole group could have been destroyed in an instant.
But the important thing was that they had to continue fighting. There was no time for regrets. Ascil gripped his sword tightly, his sharp eyes looking around, observing the change in the environment.
A message appeared on Ascil's console:
"Warning: The threat is not over yet. Other groups will approach this area. Beware of hidden devices."
Akira frowned, determined not to let these enemies gain the upper hand so easily. She looked at Ascil, her eyes shining with determination.
"Be careful, we haven't won yet. Remember, these guys are not easy opponents"
Just as Ascil stood up and prepared to face the next threat, a figure suddenly jumped up from the ground. Before the group could react, this person had already jumped up, wearing a heavy armor, in his hand was a 1m long greatsword, heavy and powerful. He charged straight at Ascil, with a powerful slash that seemed to want to cleave everything in half.
Ascil only had time to realize the attack in the blink of an eye. He hastily swung his sword up, blocking the slash. However, due to the huge difference in strength and size of the weapon, Ascil was sent flying like a rag doll, his body was thrown away and slammed into a nearby rock.
Akira, witnessing this scene, immediately realized that the situation was no longer optimistic. Ascil was strong, but he could not fight this warrior if he continued to confront him in the current situation. She glanced at Khaz and signaled with her eyes, without saying a word, just a nod was enough for him to understand.
"We must retreat," Akira said coldly, his voice filled with determination. "This is not the time to risk your life."
Khaz did not hesitate, he quickly lowered his body, preparing for a quick move.
Ascil, although he was knocked away, but as soon as he hit the ground, he felt pain in his body, and saw the warrior continuing to prepare for the next strike. This opponent's strength was clearly far beyond his.
Although he wanted to continue fighting, in Ascil's heart, a clear voice rang out: "Retreat, the enemy is too strong."
With the remaining strength, Ascil stood up, gripped his sword tightly and turned to look at Akira, realizing that she had signaled him to retreat. He had no other choice, he hurriedly moved towards Khaz and Akira.
Khaz was already standing, his eyes fixed on the charging warrior. One more swing from the warrior would not only repel them but could end the battle instantly.
Akira made a decision immediately. She glanced at Ascil and said,
"Hurry! Don't let him catch us!"
They began to move quickly, not to escape in disgrace, but to find another advantage. The three of them moved at the speed of light, away from the area that was being destroyed by the warrior's attacks.